The Importance of Headache Tracking

Learn why tracking your headaches can be useful in getting to the root cause.

Stuttgart Daily Leader - Stuttgart, AR

Writer

Posted Mar. 2, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Mar 2, 2013 at 1:23 AM

Posted Mar. 2, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Mar 2, 2013 at 1:23 AM

Q:My doctor suggested I keep track of my headaches. How is that helpful?

A:When they begin keeping track, people often find that their headaches are actually more frequent and disabling than they thought. It can be a real eye-opener to count up missed school or work days, and days that were much less productive than normal. Diaries can show headache patterns and whether your treatments are working or not. Record headache severity several times a day for a complete picture, and share your diary with your healthcare provider.

—Dr. Dawn Marcus, neurologist, University of Pittsburgh and author of 10 Simple Solutions to Migraines